Chương 16: The Siren's Command

Arthur could try to jump out and grab the horse's bridle before he reacted but what if the horse was faster than he was. Then it would be certain death for him.

Arthur did not think he could wrestle the horse down. With his size, the young man would have difficulty apprehending a normal horse much less a mythical one. Since he would not have the upper hand in the battle of brawn, then it would have to be a battle of the wits. Arthur had to outsmart the creature somehow.

Arthur leaned against the trunk of the coconut tree and started to think. He thought about using a lure to set a trap for the horse but he did not know what was K's favorite food. According to the online entry, it was children's meat. Now where was Arthur going to get something like that? He also did not appreciate the idea of using himself as the lure.

The warm sea breeze and soft lapping of water was a complete contrast to the depth of danger Arthur could possibly find himself in. He felt like he should be on a vacation, not wreaking his head trying to come with a way to capture a malevolent mythical creature.

He sighed and it was immediately followed by a violent neigh coming from the direction of the lagoon. Arthur moved further behind the coconut tree and froze himself solid. Even though he could not see it, Arthur was sure K was turning to look down his way.

Arthur's heart stopped and he only allowed himself to breathe when he heard the sound of galloping moving out towards the ocean. 'Phew, that was a close one, thankfully he didn't come any closer or else he would have spotted me.'

As his taut muscles relaxed, Arthur found the ease to complain, 'Why am I even doing this? What am I getting out of this? I'm sure the prize wouldn't be worth putting my life on the line for it.

'Furthermore, what is that Miss S' intention for sending me this petition? Does she insist on making me fish food? Why couldn't she come to get her horse herself, she seems powerful enough to do so.'

After he had a good vent, Arthur turned his attention back to his assignment. 'If I cannot bring K to Miss S, perhaps I can bring Miss S to K? K's owner should be able to command him just fine... But wait a minute, I do have the voice of his owner at my disposal!'

With that in mind, a plan started to form.

Arthur leaned out from behind the coconut tree and peeked at the lagoon. K seemed perfectly content playing with fishes in the water. He wasn't paying Arthur any attention, which was exactly what the young man wanted.

He slunk out from his hiding place and moved to a boulder that was next to the water. It was just large enough to hide Arthur from K's view.

Arthur planted his feet into the sand and slowly slid down the back of the boulder, trying to make as little sound as possible. The young man swallowed a mouthful of saliva and tried to prepare his vocal chords. This was the only special power the Book of Thoth had given him to help him complete the petition and he would be using it for the first time outside of the previous trials.

The Whispering contained the voice of Miss S, or K's owner. Arthur's plan was to use Miss S' voice to order K to get close to the rock where he was hiding. Then when the horse was close enough, he would ambush him by grabbing at his bridle. It was a very simple plan but sometime the simplest plan could work wonders. Furthermore, it was not like Arthur was spoiled for choice. It was risky but the young man could see no better option.

With everything in place, Arthur set the plan into motion. He cleared his throat and imagined his client's haughty demeanor in his mind. He visualized Miss S' pointed tone of condescension and then Arthur heard her voice left his lips, "K, you've had enough fun, right?! Get over here!"

Arthur sounded exactly like Miss S and he was sure it was enough to fool the horse. K neighed sharply like he was spooked. He could hear the distress in K's voice. At that moment, Arthur felt a bit sorry for the poor creature. Miss S seemed to put her pets on a short leash.

Knowing Miss S would push things further, Arthur put more grit into his voice and warned, "Are you not going to listen to my orders anymore? I told you to get over here!"

Then, Arthur heard the sound of water splashing getting closer and closer to him. K was approaching him.

Looks like Miss S' voice had done the trick, although Arthur could not tell whether it was the magical power of the Siren's Song or K was that obedient to his mistress' commands. It might even be the combination of both. Either way, Arthur had no way to tell. He simply hoped that K would stay obedient until he managed to grab his bridle.

The sound of water eventually turned into the sound of hooves walking through sand. Arthur's heart started to race, this one moment was going to decide whether he was going to survive this ordeal or not.

The horse's soft whinny appeared beside Arthur's ear. He turned and the horse's muzzle was just next to him. The bridle of seaweed dangled deliciously close to Arthur and he knew this was his only chance.

K was looking forward, probably searching for the sign of his mistress.

Holding his breath, Arthur reached out quickly at his target. He knew he needed to be swift at a moment like this, slow and steady win the race but to make use of the element of surprise, he needed to act before the horse realized he was there.

When his finger was inches away from the bridle, K turned and the horse's blazing blue eyes were staring right at Arthur.